The rapid spread of the Zika virus is an international public health crisis, and possibly responsible for birth defects including microcephaly, as well as an increase in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rapid-onset muscle weakness caused by the immune system damaging the peripheral nervous system.

Featuring representatives from the major public health organizations, this session—a highlight of the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ Preparedness Summit 2016—focuses on the latest scientific information and front-line response activities that include addressing at-risk populations, diagnostics, risk communications, surveillance, and vector control.

The numbers growing daily show the sheer breadth of the disease: There could be up to four million cases this year, just eight months after the first case was reported in Brazil. There are 30 countries with active virus transmission. As of April 13, the CDC reports that there were 358 confirmed cases of travel-associated Zika virus disease in the United States.